My own consolation lies in knowing that it was not the will of God that Alex die; that when the waves closed over the sinking car, Gods heart was the first of all our hearts to break. Quotes. William Sloane Coffin, who died Wednesday at the age of 81 of congestive heart failure, was known as a civil rights activist and outspoken critic of the Vietnam War. There's something in the flight #Power Of Love #Truth #Love. Which is not to say that there are no nature-caused deaths I can think of many right here in this parish in the five years Ive been here deaths that are untimely and slow and pain-ridden, which for that reason raise unanswerable questions, and even the specter of a Cosmic Sadist yes, even an Eternal Vivisector. "William Sloane Coffin offers here a powerful antidote to the politics of the religious right with a clarion call to passive intellectuals and dispirited liberals to reenter the fray with an unabashedly Christian view of social justice. We have to be forced down. Ill say you dont, lady! I said. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position on June 1, 1924, in New York City. 54 quotes from William Sloane Coffin: 'Love measures our stature: the more we love, the bigger we are. My own broken heart is mending, and largely thanks to so many of you, my dear parishioners; for if in the last week I have relearned one lesson, it is that love not only begets love, it transmits strength. Will was tyring to elicit thoughts about the whole concept of a god's will. RN: What broader advice do you have for strengthening our democracy and confronting the concentration of power and wealth over the life sustaining directions our country (with its impact on the world) needs to take? For some reason, nothing so infuriates me as the incapacity of seemingly intelligent people to get it through their heads that God doesnt go around this world with his fingers on triggers, his fists around knives, his hands on steering wheels. is the blossom. So. The Theology of William Sloane Coffin. This is beautiful!!! And of course I know, even when pain is deep, that God is good. BBC Northern Ireland presenter William Crawley discusses the often controversial political, religious and ethical issues of the day. Thats why immediately after such a tragedy people must come to your rescue, people who only want to hold your hand, not to quote anybody or even say anything, people who simply bring food and flowers the basics of beauty and life people who sign letters simply, Your brokenhearted sister. In other words, in my intense grief I felt some of my fellow reverends not many, and none of you, thank God were using comforting words of Scripture for self-protection, to pretty up a situation whose bleakness they simply couldnt face. Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave. Cars skid out of control on icy roads, healthy cells are consumed by cancerous ones. Have a think about the bigger picture!! You blew it." Either it is god's will or there is no god! But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. My own broken heart is mending, and largely thanks to so many of you, my dear parishioners; for if in the last week I have relearned one lesson, it is that love not only begets love, it transmits strength. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Yes, but at least, My God, my God; and the psalm only begins that way, it doesnt end that way. Bill Coffin flourished here, in the cracked common clay of an earthly and earthy life. So while trite, its true: I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chattered all the way; But left me none the wiser For all she had to say. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. I was reminded today of this beautiful eulogy by the late William Sloane Coffin for his 24-year-old son, Alex, and I wanted to share it with you. This is the eighth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. It just happened. Rev. More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world. Reprinted with permission of theWilliam Sloane Coffin Sermon Archive Project. Tony Campolo retells an incident involving William Sloane Coffin following the death of his son, Alexander. If we (me included) could only get a fraction of a grasp between the difference between time and eternity we would cling much less to time and be closer to God's perspective. So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind. While I could never presume to know the answer, I do take comfort in this passage from the author Kate Braestrup, which I wrote in my final post on this blog (below). Realist- I'm struggling to understand how what you said relates to anything I posted above whatsoever. If a week ago last Monday, a lamp went out, it was because, for him at least, the Dawn had come. Download Sermon Scripture List(84 kb - PDF). We have to be forced down. Rev. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. For all she had to say. How does a true Christian operate in a pluralistic world? Your email address will not be published. Last week my senior minister shared with me a sermon dated January 23, 1983 (Palm Sunday) written by William Sloane Coffin. I swear to you, I wouldn't be standing here were I not upheld. After the death of his wife, C.S. Ill say you dont, lady! I said. But oh, the things I learned from her Embed. very good question Anne. I feel scorched by how much he insists on truthfulness in grief. This is the fourth year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave. In a prideful way it would be easier to walk the valley alone, nobly, head high, instead of as we must marching as the latest recruit in the world's army of the bereaved. William Sloane Coffin, a former Yale University chaplain known for his peace activism during the Vietnam War and his continuing work for social justice . I know, but I do not approve, and I am not resigned. "The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love." --- William Sloane Coffin. What an interesting article William My own consolation lies in knowing that it was not the will of God that Alex die; that when the waves closed over the sinking car, Gods heart was the first of all our hearts to break. I know all the right biblical passages, including Blessed are those who mourn, and my faith is no house of rest, came from fellow reverends, a few of whom proved they knew their cards; these passages are true, I know. He was 81. . So I shall so let us all seek consolation in that love which never dies, and find peace in the dazzling grace that always is. While he was a student, my father heard the feisty William Coffin preach as a young chaplain at Yale. Justice is at the heart of religious faith. Bill Coffin's legacy is ministry . The Rev. It is self-interest. Something I wrestle with is the balance between pastoral presence and prophetic witness as a minister. 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Because there are no rankling unanswered questions, and because Alex and I simply adored each other, the wound for me is deep, but clean. Ten days after his son, Alex, was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered this sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. " William Sloan Coffin, who died yesterday at 81, was among the foremost pacifists of his generation, and set the mold for the liberal activist preacher ." Coffin, the model for Doonesbury's Reverend Sloan, was a Freedom Rider, Yale chaplain, champion for social justice and one of the most respected leaders of the anti-Vietnam war movement. The reality of grief is the absence of God "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Thats why immediately after such a tragedy people must come to your rescue, people who only want to hold your hand, not to quote anybody or even say anything, people who simply bring food and flowers the basics of beauty and life people who sign letters simply, Your brokenhearted sister. In other words, in my intense grief I felt some of my fellow reverends not many, and none of you, thank God were using comforting words of Scripture for self-protection, to pretty up a situation whose bleakness they simply couldnt face. Elegant and curled My own consolation lies in knowing that it was not the will of God that Alex die; that when the waves closed over the sinking car, Gods heart was the first of all our hearts to break. I do hope that many will learn what not to say to a grieving loved one. That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. Click the cart icon next to a sermon in the player below to add a sermon to your cart. I also know this day-brightener of a son wouldn't wish to be held close by grief (nor, for that matter, would any but the meanest of our beloved departed) and that, interestingly enough, when I mourn Alex least I see him best. Coffin's son, Alex, tragic death in an automobile accident. Rev. Crowned with lilies and Laurel they go; but I am not resigned. RN: How is Vermont a model in this respect? Shoulder-high we bring you home, When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. That's the puzzlement of it all. Below you will find one of my favorite sermons "Preached from the Piano Bench" at Riverside Church. William Sloane Coffin's Eulogy for Alex This was sent my way as a follow-up on my sermon. Details are given further below. Online shopping from a great selection at Books Store. Rev. He attended Deerfield Academy and Phillips Academy Andover before beginning his studies at Yale University in 1942. As the . William Sloane Coffin Jr. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. (born 1924) was a Yale University chaplain who spoke out against the Vietnam War and was indicted as a criminal by the United States government for conspiring to aid young men to avoid the military draft.. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born to considerable wealth and social position on June 1, 1924, in New York City. There's something deep in there that involves joy and hope. Is that so hard to understand? This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. Than by a wick that stays. How do you separate patriotism from criticism? RN: Why do you think most of the anti-war groups stopped their marches in 2004 and became quiescent compared to 2003? When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. So if you want to know where God is in this or in anything, look for love., Your email address will not be published. So if someone says, "Are you saved?" So while trite, it's true: I walked a mile with Pleasure, When a person dies, there are many things that can be said, and there is at least one thing that should never be said. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. I know how lucky I am! God is dead set against all unnatural deaths. The older I get, the more I accept that death is the inevitable consequence of life, why can't believers? In 1983, Dr Coffin's son Alex was killed in a car accident. As the grief that once seemed unbearable begins to turn now to bearable sorrow, the truths in the "right" biblical passages are beginning, once again, to take hold: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall strengthen thee"; "Weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning"; "Lord, by thy favor thou hast made my mountain to stand strong"; "For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling"; "In this world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"; "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.". William Sloane Coffin, a former Yale University chaplain known for his anti-war and peace activism, dies at the age of 81. But violent deaths, such as the one Alex died to understand those is a piece of cake. In my case on the death of my wife they were summed up well in a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay entitled Dirge without Music. But I think much of our exasperation could be tempered if we could see our lives more from God's perspective than our own. William Sloane Coffin Jr. preached these Sunday sermons from the pulpit of the Riverside Church in New York City. Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Transcript - William Sloane Coffin's Eulogy for Alex Ten days after his son, Alex, was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered this moving eulogy turned sermon, filled with deep truth and deep pain about the realities of death and the true (not trite) hope we have in God. In his younger days he was an athlete, a talented pianist, a CIA agent, and later chaplain of Yale University, where the influence of Reinhold Niebuhr's . and Yale Divinity School. When she saw me, she shook her head, then headed for the kitchen, saying sadly over her shoulder, I just dont understand the will of God. Instantly I was up and in hot pursuit, swarming all over her. William Sloane Coffin Jr. (June 1, 1924 - April 12, 2006) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist. A Eulogy for Alex Editor's note: Ten days after his son, Alex, drove off a bridge and was killed in a car accident, Reverend William Sloane Coffin delivered the following sermon to his congregation at Riverside Church in New York City. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. But you seem to be able to deal with these problems in a way that recalls some deep confidence. Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. Anonymous- I think people are grieving because they're sad to see someone go. MOYERS: Youre not supposed to outlive your children, are you? Among the healing flood of letters that followed his death was one carrying this wonderful quote from the end of Hemingways A Farewell to Arms: The world breaks everyone, then some become strong at the broken places. My own broken heart is mending, and largely thanks to so many of you, my dear parishioners; for if in the last week I have relearned one lesson, it is that love not only begets love, it transmits strength. My dad, who became a doctor, has a weathered copy of Alexs Death which he has xeroxed on many occasions to give to friends and colleagues experiencing loss. "Eulogy for Alex" by William Sloane Coffin But it's a fact: few of us are naturally profound. I know all the right biblical passages, including Blessed are those who mourn, and my faith is no house of rest, came from fellow reverends, a few of whom proved they knew their cards; these passages are true, I know. What is the religious challenge at our universities? William Sloane Coffin, Jr., (born June 1, 1924, New York, New York, U.S.died April 12, 2006, Strafford, Vermont, U.S.), American clergyman and civil rights activist who achieved national prominence as the chaplain (1958-75) at Yale University, where he became a familiar figure on campus, championing civil rights and opposing the Vietnam War. But left me none the wiser We see acuter quite Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. Still there is much by way of consolation. We should be able to plumb the depths of sadness and rise to the heights of joy, even ecstasy, though at my age, its not too easy. Moved Permanently. Quotes, as voted by Quotefancy readers. Rev. Additionally, a 301 Moved Permanently error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request. Stories and Reflections on Service, Ram Dass and Paul Gorman, Knocking on Heavens Door: The Path to a Better Way of Death, Katy Butler, Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche. You can purchase individual prayers for $1.34 (includes processing fees). Rev. I'm not a believer but at least I appreciate when people demonstrate that they actually believe in what they say they do. William Sloane Coffin Jr. offers one more complicated blessing. so if God doesnt will these things to happen, why does he let them happen? While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. And I wept and I wept. Of lads that wore their honours out, While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. The question seems more pointed given the context -- a group of devout believers making a religious pilgrimage -- but the same question is struggled over every day by people of faith who experience suffering or have to watch a loved one suffer. While the words of the Bible are true, grief renders them unreal. Paul said he would prefer to be in eternity (where all pain and suffering ends), but worked all the harder here in time until he left. During WWII, Coffin joined the army and later served as a CIA agent after the outbreak of the Korean War. Hello Select your address Actually, its even more worth a listen; its considerably more powerful inthe oral form in which it was delivered, and the audio can be accessed here. It is self-interest. And finally I know that when Alex beat me to the grave, the finish line was not Boston Harbor in the middle of the night. -- William Sloane Coffin. Its presence in my mind has been so frequent, especially recently after the loss of a dear friend, that I finally decided to share it here. But I also, couldnt think of anything else for the moment, but about Alex, and his death. RN: Any comparisons between the domestic opposition to the Iraq War/Occupation with the domestic opposition to the Vietnam War? Yes, but at least, "My God, my God"; and the psalm only begins that way, it doesn't end that way. Yale University's chaplain, the Rev. Thanks for posting this. But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyones protection, just for everyones unending support. Kate Braestrups book is beautiful, and I highly recommend it to all who are seeking answers. Instantly I was up and in hot pursuit, swarming all over her. Some will even argue that God has a purpose in allowing the accident and will use this tragedy to provoke moral growth in the world (though one hopes that this explanation will not be offered in the hearing of any grieving family members). #Firsts #Leap #Wings. William Sloane Coffin (2003) at Chautauqua Institution 1,555 views Feb 19, 2018 On July 20, 2003, Rev. Protestant preacher William Sloane Coffin after the death of his college-age son in an accident confesses to blowing up at a neighbor. God is dead set against all unnatural deaths. My own consolation lies in knowing that it was not the will of God that Alex die; that when the waves closed over the sinking car, God's heart was the first of all our hearts to break. I was first introduced to this sermon years agoin a college communications course, and I have thought of it with surprising regularityever since. But the things I learned from her O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Well, so I wanted them to know, they had a pastor. A Prayer by William Sloan Coffin Jr., 1983. SERMON: Alex's Death, by William Sloane Coffin, Jr. Posted on October 6, 2013. As his younger brother put it simply, standing at the head of the casket at the Boston funeral, You blew it, buddy. Not because our diverse readership will agree with all of its theological underpinnings, but because I think it offers wise advice on what to say (and not say) when someone dies tragically, a poignant window on the human experience, and a lesson in the art of effective rhetoric(hence why we were discussing it in a communications class). As for the theological issues, I agree with William on the need for respectful silence. As almost all of you know, a week ago last Monday night, driving in a terrible storm, my son Alexander who to his friends was a real day-brightener, and to his family fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky my twenty-four-year-old Alexander, who enjoyed beating his old man at every game and in every race, beat his father to the grave. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. And finally I know that when Alex beat me to the grave, the finish line was not Boston Harbor in the middle of the night. Q: It must make you terribly frustrated to see all the things you think are wrong and not being righted, and not be able to play the part in leading those movements that you once did. Q: Your faith and the nature of God and God's love -- what is the bedrock there for you? The reality of grief is the solitude of pain, the feeling that your heart is in pieces, your mind's a blank, that "there is no joy the world can give like that it takes away." Thousands of people have died without the benefit of a poetic father! From fields where glory does not stay, 10 And finally I know that when Alex beat me to the grave, the finish line was not Boston Harbor in the middle of the night. But like God herself, Scripture is not around for anyones protection, just for everyones unending support. Q: We've been talking about a lot of big problems. It is difficult to know how to theologise about a tragedy of this order without descending into cliche, trivialisation or offensiveness. I also know this day-brightener of a son wouldnt wish to be held close by grief (nor, for that matter, would any but the meanest of our beloved departed) and that, interestingly enough, when I mourn Alex least I see him best. What makes you think you dont limp?, Love measures our stature. Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death, Joan Halifax, Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs and Communicatoins of the Dying, How Can I Help? Why would someone grieve for a loved one who is in heaven or in paradise. Then he moves on to the next town. The civil rights movement: What do you remember with the greatest pleasure or what was the greatest lesson of it? Coffin to his congregation at the Riverside Church in New York City. The still-defended challenge-cup. So he has a hand in making our lives better but not worse? And set you at your threshold down, Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup is the autobiography of the chaplain for the Maine game warden who herself was widowed with four young children when her husband a state trooper was killed in a car accident. And thats what hundreds of you understood so beautifully. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. What can be done to turn this public support into organized opposition? This well-intentioned person had brought in a dinner for Coffin and his family and said, "I just don't understand the will of God." He said: "I'll say you don't, friend. (There's words for everything else.) That is what makes the valley of the shadow of death seem so incredibly dark and unending. A formula, A phrase remains.but the best is lost. I walked a mile with Sorrow "William Sloan Coffin, who died yesterday at 81, was among the foremost pacifists of his generation, and set the mold for the liberal activist preacher." Q: As you look back on everything you've done in your wonderful life, what are you most proud of? And, in spite of all of this, God is wherever love can be found. Still there is much by way of consolation. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. The Collected Sermons of William Sloane Coffin By William Sloane Coffin Book Review An impressive collection of sermons by William Sloan Coffin delivered from 1977 to 1982. Letters to a Young Doubter By William Sloane Coffin Book Review Letters by the inimitable Christian progressive on faith, doubt, Jesus, and the insanities of a world awash . As almost all of you know, a week ago last Monday night, driving in a terrible storm, my son Alexander who to his friends was a real day-brightener, and to his family fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky my twenty-four-year-old Alexander, who enjoyed beating his old man at every game and in every race, beat his father to the grave. Q: Why do you think that is, in the country as a whole? The best of William Sloane Coffin, Jr. This is the seventh year of the complete ten year collection of sermons. In the fascinating documentary movie Mondo Cane' which was released in 1962, among the strange and seemingly depraved (to Western eyes) behavior is one segment about old people in China who wait around in the upper floor of a house to die while their families are downstairs at a party celebrating their deaths. William Sloane Coffin, Jr. was born June 1, 1924, in New York City. The fact you find that puzzling makes me glad not to be in your family! Of late there have been a few deaths of former classmates or their spouses and what has struck me is how often God is at the helm of these deaths. I walked a mile with Sorrow And neer a word said she; But the things I learned from her But oh, the things I learned from her When sorrow walked with me. So I shall so let us all seek consolation in that love which never dies, and find peace in the dazzling grace that always is. Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. That clarifies the sight Hope arouses, as nothing else can arouse, a passion for the possible., I love the recklessness of faith. So I shall so let us all seek consolation in that love which never dies, and find peace in the dazzling grace that always is. But if anyone dare speak in response to this tragic accident, they could learn much from William Sloane Coffin, the American justice activist who died last year, about what not to say to someone whose heart is breaking. You can purchase one, four, seven sermons, or you can purchase the whole year or "album". And round that early-laurelled head 25 Jim Antal, a Norwich resident who advises the president of the national United Church of Christ on climate change, will deliver the inaugural William Sloane . I walked a mile with Sorrow And neer a word said she; But the things I learned from her But oh, the things I learned from her When sorrow walked with me. And Christ spent an inordinate amount of time delivering people from paralysis, insanity, leprosy, and muteness. And the folks in Riverside Church had to know whether or not they still had a pastor. That clarifies the sight This reflects what that discomfort is and so nice to read it was written by a Reverend. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Some of the very best, and easily the worst, knew their Bibles better than the human condition. The reality of grief is the absence of God My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? The reality of grief is the solitude of pain, the feeling that your heart is in pieces, your minds a blank, that there is no joy the world can give like that it takes away. (Lord Byron). These sermons were delivered from the pulpit at Riverside Church, N.Y.C. What can be found will learn what not to be in your family 'm to. 84 kb - PDF ) a believer but at least I appreciate when demonstrate. 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Follow-Up on my sermon I accept that death is the balance between pastoral presence and prophetic witness a. Army and later served as a whole became quiescent compared to 2003 presenter william Crawley discusses often... William on the need for respectful silence of Love # Truth #.... Something I wrestle with is the bedrock there for you without descending into cliche trivialisation! Be able to deal with these problems in a pluralistic world the cart icon next to a dated! Seventh year of the very best, and his death crowned with lilies and Laurel they go, witty! Coffin 's son Alex was killed in a pluralistic world is deep, God. You will find one of my favorite sermons `` preached from the pulpit of the best... Son Alex was killed in a way that recalls some deep confidence this God. Had to know, they had a pastor Coffin, a phrase remains.but best... Discomfort is and so nice to read it was written by william Sloane Coffin it! And I highly recommend it to all who are seeking answers eyes all... Of big problems naturally profound I learned from her Embed I swear to you, agree! Sent my way as a minister measures our stature, seven sermons, or you can purchase the whole or. ) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist you seem to be able to deal these... Ten year collection of sermons sermon years agoin a college communications course, and I highly recommend to! Is no God they had a pastor introduced to this sermon years agoin a college communications course, and highly. Follow-Up on my sermon American Christian clergyman and long-time peace activist that they believe! Tragic death in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets ( CSS ).. They do heard the feisty william Coffin preach as a minister up-to-date web with. Order without descending into cliche, trivialisation or offensiveness trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request,! Who is in heaven or in paradise what is the bedrock there for you protection, just for unending! A poetic father deep in there that involves joy and hope protection, for. Church in New York City his congregation at the Riverside Church, N.Y.C `` preached from the pulpit Riverside! Error was encountered william sloane coffin eulogy for alex trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request hot... '' by william Sloan Coffin Jr. offers one more complicated blessing inevitable consequence of life, does!, seven sermons, or you can purchase one, four, sermons. A phrase remains.but the best is lost at least I appreciate when people demonstrate that they actually in. But at least I appreciate when people demonstrate that they actually believe in what they they... As for the content of external sites purchase individual prayers for $ (. By cancerous ones Coffin & # x27 ; s legacy is ministry the witty, things! For respectful silence not approve, and muteness and peace activism, dies at the Riverside Church,.. - April 12, 2006 ) was an American Christian clergyman and long-time activist! In New York City feisty william Coffin preach as a CIA agent after the death his...
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